Something that has left me frustrated lately is how society is still using the G-word, a slur that is racist toward Roma and Sinti people, both of whom are different ethnic groups within the larger Romani people who share similar roots. I learned in my genocide class at high school that this word was offensive and when people mention that Roma and Sinti people were victims of the Holocaust in addition to Jewish people and other minority groups, they use this slur to refer to them. In addition to that, society has used this as a word for “traveler.” For example, one of Lady Gaga’s songs is titled the slur and the lyrics are off-putting when she describes her lover as that word and portrays them as someone who travels. I am a big fan of her music and think she is inspirational, but I am frustrated with that song in particular. Additionally, Alice Merton’s song, No Roots, uses this slur and she embeds a stereotype of Roma and Sinti people in it. It is important that society knows that Roma and Sinti people widely view this term as highly offensive. This word originated in the early 16th century from the false belief that Roma and Sinti people were from Egypt. Roma and Sinti people originally were from India in South Asia, but have immigrated and currently live in multiple countries. Many stereotypes about them predicting the future and being fortunate tellers” as well as “travelers” are harmful.
We as a society need to recognize that people of these ethnic groups have culture and history that is relevant. People formed these harmful stereotypes from Roma and Sinti people’s culture and actions taken out of context and it is dehumanizing to refer to this group of people that way. In addition to talking about Roma and Sinti people being victims of the Holocaust, we should talk about the history of oppression they faced, as well as accomplishments and heritage. This can help reduce discrimination and stereotypes about these ethnic groups. Overall, how can we move forward as a society when approaching offensive language that is not widely known to be offensive? How do we educate people about marginalized ethnic groups that are not mentioned often?